Anyone running a business has heard of the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A successful business knows which marketing tactics matter and how to implement those tactics. SEO is easy enough to describe but harder to execute. There are SEO specialists and SEO agencies out there for a reason; SEO is complicated. It takes experience and training to plan and implement an SEO strategy properly.
Additionally, SEO is a continually changing field, so a crucial aspect of the industry is staying up-to-date. That's why its vital to hand over this essential marketing tactic to a local SEO marketing company. But, how can a business be sure it's choosing the right SEO agency? Keep reading for the complete guide to signing a local SEO marketing company.
Why SEO Matters
First, before discussing how to choose a local SEO marketing company, it's essential to understand what this partnership is going to achieve for the business. Some of the reasons why every business should appreciate and value SEO are:
What To Look For In A Local SEO Marketing Company
SEO is a top marketing strategy for almost every business out there. That's because everyone turns to search engines when they need something. Google processed, on average, 3.5 billion searches per day in 2019. This has resulted in a high demand for agencies, which has spawned thousands of SEO marketing companies that claim to know what they're doing. A quick search online will show dozens and dozens of agencies ready for hire. Struggling to understand how to choose between all of them? Try to keep these tips in mind when searching for a new SEO partnership.
Extravagant Promises
Some agencies will make grand promises. These promises may be:
These types of promises are clearly not reasonable. SEO is a long-term game; it takes time and patience to build out a proper SEO strategy. And, a company that promises quick results is either lying or using questionable tactics. For example, buying backlinks is against Google policies. Many companies, such as JC Penney and Overstock, have been caught buying backlinks. And the consequences can be severe. Search engines can choose to punish a business for weeks, months, or years, after these methods are discovered.
Cheap Pricing
Along with promises that seem too good to be true, watch out for pricing that also feels so cheap, it's shocking. While SEO can seem affordable in comparison to sky-high PPC budgets, SEO isn't exactly cheap. Nothing that is of quality comes cheap. Remember, a local SEO marketing company should take its time to:
All of this takes the time and effort of specialized individuals.
Some brief research can give you an idea of what SEO campaigns should cost per month. Of course, this will vary significantly from customer to customer, based on desired outcomes and workload. However, if an agency is quoting prices that are 30-50% less than industry averages, it's very likely they won't achieve results or will use shortcuts that will ultimately hurt the client's brand.
Working with a local SEO marketing company is a partnership and an investment. By paying the right price, organizations can rest assured they'll get the right results.
Review & Verify
Most SEO agencies will have a beautiful website that will impress their visitors. That should be the case, as they're in the e-commerce business. (By the way, if you ever come across an SEO agency that doesn't have an impressive website, RUN.)
However, it's essential to try to dig deeper than just the surface content presented on their website. Some ways you can verify the quality of the agency's work is by:
Let customers do the talking for the agency. A happy clientele base speaks to a good work ethic and an agency that can achieve results.
Ask About Local SEO Strategy
A great local SEO marketing company will understand the intricacies of local SEO versus standard organic SEO. Ask what the plan is for the local SEO strategy. Some version of what they present should include elements of Google reviews, Google My Business, location pages (if applicable to the business), and local target keyword research.
SEO Marketing in Times of Uncertainty
Coronavirus has impacted almost every single company. Whether a business has shut down operations temporarily or is still in full swing, now is not the time to cut down on marketing. Sure, some should consider budget cuts to marketing tactics like paid search marketing or radio advertisements. But, now is a great time to think about long-term strategy. When COVID-19 is over, each organization will be fighting hard for their piece of market share. By focusing on SEO now, an organization can stay ahead of the competition and come out on top when things calm down.
Why Agency Jet
Agency Jet is a comprehensive digital marketing agency. Founded in 2014, the agency has seen tremendous growth and success in a short time. The agency's results speak for themselves, with an impressive track record, countless positive client reviews, and in-depth case studies all publicly available on our website.
Agency Jet works with clients on a local SEO strategy that will achieve the results they're looking for. Clients can book a free assessment to start their partnership with Agency Jet and to better understand how we can help.
More Resources
READ: The 3 DOs and DON'Ts of Small Business Search Engine Optimization | READ: Top 10 Signs You Need SEO Rehab |
What does PPC look like at Agency Jet? | Check out Agency Jet case studies |